Varisha Khan, Redmond City Council member, made history by being the first Muslim woman and youngest person ever to get elected as City Council member in Redmond, Washington when she was age 24. Khan was elected back in 2019 after beating Hank Myers, who served three, consecutive terms prior to the race against Khan. After serving as council member for four successful years, Khan has decided not to run for re-election. However, she is admired by the people she served, left huge shoes to fill and she left a lasting legacy in the city of Redmond.
“Our campaign team was diverse, local, and young. We raised more money than any Redmond City Council candidate raised ever before, and we did so with grassroots donations and without corporate PACs. We registered voters and reached many ‘low-propensity voters,’ who are typically immigrants, new citizens, people of color, young, and renters. We were supported by the people who are typically ignored by politicians, despite being the ones most impacted by government decisions,” Khan said in a farewell speech, according to Medium.
Khan attributes all of her success to the people that she served, and her people love and revere her for bringing them together, positively representing them and being a voice for those who did not have a voice prior to Khan’s election.
Khan’s political career is an important story and source of encouragement, not only for minority residents in Redmond, but for Muslim youth, Muslims in general and all youth in the United States. Khan, among some young Muslim political figures in the United States, started a trend and laid the groundwork for future Muslims and youth who want to get elected into local, state or national office.
Khan told the University of Washington Magazine when she was first elected that “this is the time for young people to be in power. Whether you’re in college, whether you’ve just graduated, the perspective you bring may lead to great solutions. We have the drive and the capability to change the status quo.” No age is too young, and a person’s racial background should not deter anyone from pursuing a career in politics. That reality is what Khan has lived during her political tenure.
Even though Varisha Khan is not running for reelection for the next term, the youth in Redmond saw what Khan has achieved. She inspired them that no matter their age, they have the power and abilities to hold leadership positions in their community. There is no word yet about who will be running for City Council in Redmond for next term, but it would not be a surprise if one of Redmond’s youth, Muslims or women stepped up to place his/her bid in the next election. The people of Redmond have seen the power of its youth, people of color, and Muslims in their community, so they can rest assured that they will be in good hands if someone representing these groups gets elected to Redmond’s city council.
Muhammad Kamal
